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Top 30 Truck Driver Interview Questions Truckers Need to Ask

Top 30 Questions for Truckers to Ask in Interviews

There is one huge interview mistake that most truck drivers make at some point in their careers. You may have done the same. If you go into an interview anxious about whether or not you can prove that you are right for the company, you are missing a huge factor in choosing a job: if a particular company is right for you.

It's important to ask questions during an interview. Not only does it show your interviewer that you are truly interested in the job, it can have great benefits for your salary and it also helps you figure out if a job is a good fit for you. Below, find the top 30 questions for truck drivers to ask in interviews.

1. What is the company’s home time policy?

Find out how much home time you get and how it is split up throughout the week or month (Monster, 2016).

2. What are your main routes/hauls?

Most companies have specific routes they drive over and over. Ask more about them to think about whether or not it's a long-term option for you.

3. Is layover pay offered?

In your routes, you'll undoubtedly have time where you are waiting for your next haul. Not getting paid for this time can really decrease your income, since the wait may last hours.

4. Is pay based on a per-mile rate or an hourly rate?

There are benefits to both pay models, and you need to be fully informed either way.

5. If you pay by the mile, is mileage calculated by hub miles, dispatched miles, loaded miles, or a computer program?

Each company calculates mileage in a different way. Ask this question ahead of time so you aren't unpleasantly surprised when you begin driving.

6. What benefits are offered?

Insurance is extremely expensive when you buy it on your own, especially if you have a family. Learn more about the insurance benefits your company offers.

7. When are new hires eligible for benefits?

Following the question above, ask how long you need to work before you are eligible for benefits.

8. What type of equipment will I use?

Your interviewer should be able to give you specific information on the type of truck you'll be driving and what amenities it has.

9. What is the chain of command for drivers?

Ask this question to figure out how many people you will be answering to as a driver.

10. How easy is it to contact my manager for help or concerns?

Ideally, your manager should be available most of the time, either in person at your home facility or by telephone.

11. Does the company provide paid time off?

At some point, you'll want to take a vacation. Find out whether or not paid time off is an option at your company.

12. When are new drivers eligible for time off accrual/usage?

Do you start accruing paid time off right away or after a trial period? At what point in your employment can you begin using your accrued time off?

13. What is the rider policy for pets, family members, and friends?

This is an important question to ask if you want to bring friends, family members, or a pet along for some of your hauls. If you plan on bringing a pet, ask about damage deposits and pet weight limits.

14. Is commercial truck insurance paid by the driver or by the company?

You must have truck insurance before driving, so find out if you or the company is responsible for it.

15. What is the fueling policy?

Each company has a different fuel policy. You may get a company fuel card or get reimbursed; you may have to stop at certain gas stations or you may be able to choose your own fuel suppliers.

16. Are dedicated runs an option for drivers with seniority?

If you have any interest in a dedicated run in the future, find out how many dedicated runs the company has available and how they are awarded to interested drivers.

17. What expenses does the company cover?

Does the company cover expenses like food, motels, tolls, truck washes, minor repairs, and detention time (Berrier Insurance, 2016)?

18. How many miles are available on a weekly/monthly basis?

With most companies paying by the mile, get a clear answer regarding how many miles are available on a weekly or monthly basis.

19. Are there days and weeks where mileage is significantly lower or higher?

Some companies have busy times. During those times, are more miles available or required?

20. Is loading/unloading the responsibility of the driver?

This impacts how much manual labor you do everyday.

21. If so, how is payment made?

If you load and unload your own truck, is this work paid via an hourly wage, a flat rate, by piece, or by weight?

22. If not, how are lumper issues handled?

If your company uses lumpers for loading and unloading, does the company pay them directly or do you get reimbursed for paying a lumper?

23. What kind of training is provided by the company?

How long is the training, what does it cover, and is extra training available if you don't feel comfortable?

24. Are there advancement opportunities?

This is a good question to ask if you have interest in someday working as a trainer or manager.

25. How is performance/progress assessed?

Companies should have specific standards that they use to evaluate drivers.

26. How often are drivers assessed and how often will I receive feedback?

Are drivers assessed quarterly, annually, or on a different schedule? Do managers provide regular feedback?

27. What are the safety standards of the company?

Each company should have a clearly outlined list of safety standards.

28. How often are trucks maintained/upgraded/replaced?

There is nothing worse than being stuck in a old, poorly maintained bucket of a truck that you need to run your routes in. This is important, so don't be afraid to ask or want the best.

29. Do you use electronic logs?

Electronic logs may save you time at the end of each day.

30. Are alternate routes available if I want a change in the future?

Ask this if you want the option of local or dedicated routes.

Taking the time to develop your own questions during a truck driving job interview can help you decide if the job is right for you, and will let your potential employer know you are serious.

If you’re ready to get your next job rolling, contact the companies on our site that are hiring.